Heating torch

ABSTRACT

A portable heating torch for applying heat generated from a flame in a uniformly distributed pattern to a work surface in order to enable the performance of manual work such as cutting, scraping or the like on such work surface. The torch comprises a handle capable of being grasped by the hand of an operator and which is provided with a fuel delivery tube or other flexible fuel delivery means for connection to a suitable source of an ignitable fuel, and preferably a gaseous fuel such as propane or the like. A metal housing which forms an internal fuel receiving chamber is attached to and carried by the handle. The fuel employed is generally a gaseous fuel under pressure and is delivered to the fuel receiving chamber from the source through this tube or other flexible means and through a duct in the handle which is in fluid communication with the fuel delivery tube and the fuel receiving chamber. The fuel is injected into the fuel receiving chamber through an orifice therein and is mixed with air introduced into the fuel receiving chamber through a plurality of air intake apertures formed in the chamber wall. A heat application head is connected to the fuel receiving chamber and is in fluid communication therewith for receiving the fuelair mixture and enabling a flame supported by combustion of the ignitable fuel-air mixture to be uniformly applied across a preselected area of the work surface. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a work element such as a cutting member or a scraping member is mounted on and carried by the heat application head and is located in the path of the flame so that it is simultaneously heated along with the heat applied to the work surface, and in this way permits manual work to be performed by use of the work element on the heated work surface.

limited States Patent 1 1 fireco, Sr.

[ 11 3,759,245 1 1 Sept. is, We

[ HEATING TORCH [76] Inventor: Phillip V. Greco, Sr., 1630 Maldon Ln.,Dellwood, Mo. 63166 22 Filed: Dec. 10, 1971 21 Appl. No.: 206,693

[52] US. Cl 126/406, 126/401, 431/354,

' 431/344 [51] int. Cl. 84% 7/00, F23d 13/00 [58] Field of Search431/158, 351,352,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,510,064 5/1970 Crook etal.....'.. 431/354 2,513,523 7/1950 239/4195 Sch'afer PrimaryExaminer-William F. ODea Assistant Examiner-Paul Devinsky Attrney-R0bertJ. Schaap 57 ABSTRACT A portable heating torch for applying heatgenerated from a flame in a uniformly distributed pattern to a worksurface in order to enable the performance of manual work such ascutting, scraping or the like on such work surface. The torch comprisesa handle capable of being grasped by the hand of an operator and whichis provided with a fuel delivery tube or other flexible fuel deliverymeans for connection to a suitable source of an ignitable fuel, andpreferably a gaseous fuel such as propane or the like. A metal housingwhich forms an internal fuel receiving chamber is attached to andcarried by the handle. The fuel employed is generally a gaseous fuelunder pressure and is delivered to the fuel receiving chamber from thesource through this tube or other flexible means and through a duct inthe handle which is in fluid communication with the fuel delivery tubeand the fuel receiving chamber. The fuel is injected into the fuelreceiving chamber through an orifice therein and is mixed with airintroduced into the fuel receiving chamber through a plurality of airintake apertures formed in the chamber wall. A heat application head isconnected to the fuel receiving chamber and is in fluid communicationtherewith for receiving the fuel-air mixture and enabling a flamesupported by combustion of the ignitable fuel-air mixture to beuniformly applied across a preselected area of the work surface. in apreferred embodiment of the invention, a work element such as a cuttingmember or a scraping member is mounted on and carried by the heatapplication head and is located in the path of the flame so that it issimultaneously heated along with the'heat applied to the work surface,and in this way permits manual work to be performed by use of the workelement on the heated work surface.

16 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures HEATING roach This invention relates ingeneral to certain new and useful improvements in heating torches, andmore particularly, to heating torches which are capable of controllablyapplying large quantities of heat in an evenly distributed pattern to awork surface.

Today, many work operations which require manual effort, such as paintscraping, tile cutting, linoleum laying, and the like are usuallyperformed in conjunction with the use of heat. In many cases, theoperator generates the heat through the use of a gaseous ignitable fueldispensed under pressure from a portable fuel tank containing propane orsimilar ignitable gas. These portable fuel tanks are commerciallyavailable and are usually provided with a valve for regulating the fuelflow and oftentimes are provided with an orifice for mixing air with thefuel discharged through the valve to obtain a combustible mixture. Manyoperators will also use a hand operated heating torch by applying heatto a work surface and where the torch is connected to and receives afuel supply from a portable fuel tank or other source of ignitable fuelwhich may be carried on a movable cart or the like. Generally, thesetanks of the stored ignitable gaseous fuel are connected through aflexible hose to the hand operated torch in the performance of many workoperations, the operator will place the flame producing head of the fueltank or the torch in close proximity to the work surface for applying aflame to this work surface. Thereafter the operator may then perform thework on this surface which may require manual effort such as the layingof a surface covering material or surface coating, or it may involve theuse of a hand operated tool to perform the work such as cutting orscraping or the like.

In the laying of linoleum or other relatively durable surface covering,an adhesive is usually applied to the underside of the sheet of linoleumor other covering and/or to the floor or other surface to which thecovering material is to be secured. Heat is thereafter applied to thecovering material or to the adhesive or both in order to cure theadhesive and achieve a relatively permanent bond between the coveringmaterial and the receiving surface. In may cases, heat is also used inthe cutting and applying of many surface coverings, such as tile, to asupport surface or other substrate. The operator must use extreme carein applying the heat in order to prevent overcuring of the resin andeven more importantly, to prevent a burning or scarring of the exposedsurface of the covering material. The operator will generally move thetorch or other flame producing device in a relatively continuous patternin order to prevent a burning or scarring of the surface coveringmaterial or the work surface.

One of the most common operations where heat is applied to a worksurface lies in the removing of paint, varnish, or other surfacecoatings typically from wood surfaces and other substrates. In thiscase, the operator normally heats the surface coating on the substrateuntil he observes the formation of bubbles in the surface coating. Apaint scraper or similar hand operated tool is then used to scrape thecoating from the substrated surface. However, if the scraping operationis not conducted immediately after the heating and the coating'isallowed sufiicient time to cool and reharden, the scraping task willbecome much more difficult.

Again, the operator must use extreme care in order to prevent a burningof the substrate surface.

The heat which is generated from a fuel tank fitted with a flame head orthe heat generated by these conventional hand operated torches isusually produced by a flame supported on combustion of a gaseous fuelemitted from a nozzle. Consequently, the generated heat is normallyhighly concentrated and therefore these devices do not readily lendthemselves for use in producing heat for even and uniform distributionand application over the work surface. Consequently, the operator mustcontinually move the mechanism used to generate the heat in a uniformpattern over the work surface in order to prevent localized heating andultimate burning of the substrate. After the paint or other coating hasbeen heated sufficiently, the operator may then use a hand scraper forremoving the paint. In each of these operations, generally both handsare required in order to apply the heat to the work surface andthereafter immediately perform the manual work on the work surface.Application of heat to a work surface controlled by one hand and almostsimultaneous operation of a work tool with the other hand is ratherhazardous to the operator and the operator must use extreme care inorder to prevent injuries to himself such as by the burning of hishands. Furthermore, since there is no means provided for proper meteringof the gas or other fuel, there is a considerable waste of the limitedquantity of fuel which is available in a portable tank.

It is therefore, the primary object of the present invention to providea heating torch which is capable of providing a uniformly distributedsource of heat to be applied to a work surface for the performance ofother manual work thereon.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a heating torchof the type stated which is highly efficient in its operation andminimizes the amount of fuel required in order to apply a desired amountof heat to a work surface.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a heatingtorch of the type stated which operates in conjunction with a work toolsuch as a scraper, knife or the like thereby lending to operator manualdexterity and increased labor efficiency.

it is an additional object of the present invention to provide a heatingtorch of the type stated which is highly compact, light in weight forportability and relatively safe to operate.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a heating torchof the type stated which includes a work too] mounted thereon in alocation to be heated simultaneously with the heat applied to the worksurface.

it is yet another object of the present invention to provide a heatingtorch of the type stated which is capable of being used with any of alarge number of stored sources of ignitable fuel and which is capable ofbeing operated with a wide variety of different fuels.

it is another salient object of the present invention to provide amethod of performing work with a hand operated work tool on a worksurface by simultaneously heating a work element on the tool and a worksurface,

and thereafter engaging the surface with the work ele-- ment on the toolfor performing manual work thereon.

With the above and other objects in view, my invention resides in thenovel features of form, construction, arrangement and combination ofparts, presently described and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawing (one sheet):

FIG. l is a perspective view of a heating torch constructed inaccordance with and embodying the present invention and showing itsoperative connection to a fuel tank through a flexible fuel deliverytube;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view, partially broken away and in section, andshowing the heating torch forming part of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a vertical fragmentary sectional view taken along line 33 ofFIG. 2, and showing the internal construction of a portion of theheating torch of the presour invention;

FlG. 4 is an enlarged horizontal sectional view taken along line 4-4 ofFlG. 3 and showing the internal construction of the fuel mixing chamberforming part of the heating torch of the present invention;

H6. 5 is a vertical sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a modified form of heat application headwhich is used with the heating torch of the present invention.

Generally speaking, the present invention relates to a heating torchcomprising a handle forming member of the type which is capable of beinggrasped and manually manipulated by an operator. A flexible deliverytube or other fuel delivery means is removably connected to the handleforming member and is in fluid communication with a central bore formedin and extending through the handle forming member. The other end ofthis flexible tube or such other fuel delivery means is removablyconnected to a source of ignitablc fuel such as portable fuel tankcontaining propane or a similar gas.

A metal housing is carried by the handle forming means and forms a fuelreceiving chamber which is in fluid communication with the central borein the handle forming means. The fuel which is introduced into thecentral bore of the handle forming member through the flexible fueldelivery conduit is also introduced under pressure into the fuelreceiving chamber through a fixed orifice which is located in adiametrally reduced neck portion at the rearward end of the metalhousing. This neck portion is attached to the bangle forming means sothat the fixed orifice member is located at the forward end of the boreand extends into the fuel re ceiving chamber for introducing the fuelinto the chambar at a relatively high flow rate thereby creating aventuri effect in this chamber. Air is also introduced into the fuelreceiving chamber through a plurality of air intake apertures disposedaround the wall of the metal housing and this air is admixed with thefuel in order to provide a combustible air-fuel mixture.

The air-fuel mixture is then introduced into a heat application head orso-called flame producing head under pressure where it is capable ofbeing ignited. Additional air intake apertures are located on the flameproducing head for mixing additional amount of air with the air-fuelmixture received from the fuel chamber. A manually operated valve, suchas a needle valve may be located in the central bore of the handleforming means or in the fuel receiving chamber for regulat ing theamount of fuel to be introduced into the fuel receivng chamber and hencefor regulating the size of the flame which is supported by thecombustion of the fuel. The flame supported by the combustion of thisfuel is discharged through an elongated aperture or other form of flameemitting orifice means in a relatively uniformly distributed pattern sothat the heat resulting from this flame may be uniformly applied to apreselected area of the work surface.

in a preferred embodiment of the invention, a work element, such as acutting blade, a scraping blade, or the like may be integrally formedwith, or welded or otherwise rigidly attached to and carried by theflame producing head. The work element is secured to the flame producinghead in a position where it is located in the path of the flame whichpasses through the flame emitting orifice means. In this manner, thework surface and the work element are both simultaneously heated for theultimate performance of work on the heated work surface.

Referring now in more detail and by reference characters to the drawingswhich illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, Adesignates a heating torch which is operatively connected to a portablefuel tank T by means of a flexible fuel delivery tube or other fueldelivery member lb. The tank T is of the type which contains anignitable fuel and preferably a gaseous fuel under pressure such aspropane. The fuel tank T would normally be provided with a valve l2controlled by a knurled knob M or other control member manually actuableby an operator in order to regulate the fuel discharge from the Tank T.Furthermore, the fuel tank T is usually provided with a check valve orsimilar safety mechanism (not shown) to automatically prevent fuel flowupon disconnection of the fuel delivery tube It) from the tank.

An Lshaped hook llo may be welded to or otherwise rigidly secured to theside wall of the tank enabling removable attachment of the tank to thebelt of an operator lending to portability of the fuel tank and also topermit the use of a relatively short fuel delivery tube it). Other formsof attachment means could also be provided on the tank T in order topermit convenient transportability by the operator. it should also be understood that other fuel sources could also be used with the heatingtorch A of the present invention. For exampie, relatively large fueltanks carried on moveable carts or the like could also be used inconnection with this heating torch. It is also contemplated that thetorch could be rigidly secured to the discharge valve of the fuel tankand carried with the tank as a unitary menu bet. The subject heatingtorch is capable of providing a flame supported on combustion of any ofa number of commercially available fuels in addition to propane, such asacetylene ethylene, butane and the like. In ad dition, the presentinvention contemplates the connection of the heating torch A to two ormore sources of fuel such as oxygen and acetylene in order to supportcombustion with an city-acetylene mixture.

The flexible fuel delivery tube T is preferably made of a neoprenerubber or similar material and the tube T will be constructed with alength which is sufficient to permit the necessary relativelyunrestricted movement of the heating torch by the operator. The fueldelivery tube to should preferably be formed of a material which ischemically inert to the gas or gases which may be delivered to theheating torch A.

The heating torch A generally comprises a handle 18 illustrated as beingsomewhat cylindrical in nature and which is contoured so that it may beconveniently grasped by one hand of an operator and easily manipulatedthereby. The handle iii is preferably made of a wooden material or aplastic material such as polystyrene, any of a number of the vinylplastics, or the like, though other materials of construction includingseveral metals could be used as well. The exact shape of the handle isnot critical, and the handle could be constructed in the form of a"pistol grip handle or any other shape which is capable of beingconveniently grasped and easily handled by an operator. The handle 18 isprovided at its forward end with an integrally formed diametrallyreduced boss 2i} for supporting a somewhat arcuately shaped protectiveshield 22 which is preferably formed of a metal such as steel or thelike. The shield 22 is also provided with an integrally formed circularsleeve 24 which is concentrically disposed over and snuggly engages theboss for retentively holding the shield 22 thereon, though other formsof attaching the shield 22 to the handle 38 could be employed. Any of anumber of fasteners such as screws or the like could also be used toretentively secure the shield 22 to the handle 18.

At its forward end, the boss 20 integrally merges into a forwardlyextending diametrally reduced mounting hub 26 for reasons which willpresently more fully appear. The handle 18 including the boss 20 and thehub 26 are provided with a central elongated fuel receiving bore 28extending axially therethrough and at its rearward end, reference beingmade to FIG. 2, the handle 18 is provided with a fitting 30 fordisengagable connection to the flexible fuel carrying tube 10. A safetydevice such as a heat responsive check valve or the like may be locatedwithin the fuel receiving bore 28 of the handle 13, or in any other partof the torch A to stop fuel flow upon extinguishment of the flame. Otherforms of safety devices such as a trigger mechanism on the handleactuating a valve member in the fuel receiving bore 28 could also beemployed and would operate in a manner to prevent fuel flow until thetrigger mechanism is actuated.

Disposed over and retentively held on the mounting hub 26 of the handle18 is the diametrally reduced neck portion 32 of a cylindrical housing34 which forms a fuel receiving chamber 36. The housing 36 is preferablyformed of a metal such as steel, various alloys thereof, or other metalswhich are capable of withstanding substantial amounts of heat withoutloosing their structural integrity. The diametrally reduced neck portion32 snuggly engages the mounting hub 26 on the handle 18 and in thismanner the handle H8 is securely, though nevertheless removably,attached to the cylindrical housing 34. Thus, the handle 18 and thehousing 341 can be rapidly disconnected from each other lending toconvenient interchangability of these parts of the torch A. Small setscrews extending through the neck portion 32 into the hub 26, or otherfastening means (not shown) could also be used to secure the metalhousing 34 to the handle id. The present invention also contemplates theuse of a metal retaining sleeve located in the portion of the bore 28which is formed in the boss 20 or the hub 26 for snuggly receiving thereduced neck portion 32 as a means of retentively securing the housing34 to the handle H8.

The amount of fuel which is introduced into the fuel receiving chamber36 may be regulated by a needle valve 38 or other form of valve meanswhich is conveniently located on the handle 18 or elsewhere on the torchA for easy manipulation by an operator. The needle valve 383 isconveniently provided with a valve stem operatively engagable in a valveseat arrangement (not shown) located within the fuel receiving bore 2%and which valve stem is shiftable to control fluid flow through the fuelreceiving bore 28 by means of a mechanism including a knurled knob 41%located on the exterior of the handle id. Thus, the fuel flow .can beconveniently and carefully regulated by the operator even during the useof the torch. By merely rotating the knurled knob $0, in the desireddirection with the thumb and the index finger of the one hand which isgrasping the handle 18, the operator can regulate the fuel flow andachieve the desired flame size. In this way, the operator can adjust thesize of the flame and therefore regulate the amount of heat applied tothe work surface without the necessity of removing the source of heatfrom the work surface to accomplish this adjustment.

internally disposed within the chamber 36 is a mixing plug d2 which isprovided with a head 44 having an integrally formed radially enlargedcircumferentially extending retaining flange 46 which is sized tosnuggly engage the interior surface of the chamber wall 34 for rigidlyholding the plug 42 in place. The head 44 is also integrally providedwith a diametrally reduced neck 48 which integrally merges into afurther diametrally reduced shank 5b in the manner as illustrated inFIG. 4. The shank 54B is provided with a relatively flat rearwardlypresented face 52 disposed in facewise mating engagement with a matchingrelatively flat forwardly presented face on the hub 26 of the handle 18.The head 64 is also provided with a relatively flat forwardly presentedface 54 having a fuel emitting orifice 56 which communicates with acentral axially extending fuel delivery duct 58 formed in the plug d2.The fuel delivery duct 58 is axially aligned with and located in fluidcommunication with the fuel receiving bore 28 formed in the handle 18for delivering the fuel into the chamber 36. The plug $2 ispreferablyformed of a metal such as steel, copper or the like and islargely a solid member except for the orifice 56 and the fuel deliveryduct 5%.

As the fuel is introduced into the fuel receiving chamber 36 through theduct 58 and the orifice 56 under pressure, it creates a venturi effectin the chamber as and will cause a flow of air into the chamber 36through a plurality of circumferentially spaced air intake apertures 59formed in the chamber wall 34 and spaced rearwardly of the plug 42. Theair is urged through a plurality of axially extending grooves 66 formedaround the entire exterior surface of the plug &2 and mixed with thefuel in the region of the chamber 36 located forwardly of the plug 432.These grooves 60 are located on the head dd, the flange 46, thediametrally reduced neck db and the shank tl so air can flow around theentire surface of the plug 42, thereby creating a finely distributed airflow for complete and thorough mixing with the fuel which is introducedinto the chamber 36 through the orifice 56. The size of the apertures 59and their respective locations and spacing on the chamber wall 34 willvary depending upon the amount and the type of air flow which isdesired. How ever, it has been found that a more effective air-fuelmixture for more efficient combustion is achieved when the apertures 59are located at least rearwardly of the diametrally reduced neck portion48.

- The length of the metal housing Be is sufficiently long so that thefuel receiving chamber 36 has a length which is sufficient to permitproper mixing of the air and fuel. The length of this chamber 36 and forthat matter, the positioning of the plug 42 and the location of theapertures 59 may vary depending upon the type of fuel which is to beused and the amount of heat which is to be generated with the torch A.

A flame producing head 62 having a somewhat enlarged cylindrical housing64 and an integrally formed rearwardly extending elongated sleeve 66 isattached to and carried by the housing 34. The sleeve as is sized to beconcentrically disposed over the chamber wall 3 in removable, butnevertheless tight fitting engagement therewith. The somewhat enlargedhousing 64 which forms an ignition chamber 63 is disposed in fluidcommunication with the fuel receiving chamber 36 in the manner asillustrated in H68. 2 and 3. The flame producing head 62 is alsointegrally provided with a pair of forwardly extending upper and lowerconverging walls 70 and 72 respectively connected by somewhat arcuatelyshaped side walls 74. The converging walls 70 and 72 are also providedwith relatively flat transversely extending terminal margins 76 and 78which are vertically spaced from each other to form an elongatedtransversely extending flame emitting orifice 30.

A series of circumferentially spaced air holes 82 are formed in andspaced around the metal housing 6 at the point of integral connection ofthe upper and lower converging walls 70 and 72 and the arcuately shapedside walls 74. These air holes 82 are properly sized for introducingadditional air into the ignition chamber 68 and for mixing with theair-fuel mixture received from the chamber 36. The exact location ofthese air holes 82 may vary depending upon the type of application,

though it has been found that the most effective results are obtainedwhen the air holes 82 are located in the position as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3. The flame producing head 62 is also formed of a metalwhich is capable of withstanding a substantial amount of heat withoutlosing its structural integrity and may be constructed of any of themetals used in the construction of the metal housing 34.

lntegrally formed with and extending downwardly and outwardly from thelower wall 72 at the terminal margin 78 is a work element such as ablade d4 which may terminate in a relatively sharp edge 86 to serve thepurposes of cutting, scraping, or the like. it can be observed byreference to "H0. 3, that the work element 86 is provided with anupwardly presented flame directing surface and extends downwardly atapproximately the same angular direction as the upper wall 74 and inthis manner, the interior surface 88 of the upper wall 70 serves as adeflection surface for deflecting at least a portion of the flame overthe flame directing surface on the work element 8 The flame will beemitted from the orifice 80 in somewhat of a forward and also downwardlypointed direction due at least in part to the action of the deflectionsurface 88. A portion of this flame will be directed and applied to awork surface in a uniformly distributed pattern and in addition, aportion of the flame will pass over the work element 84 in directcontact therewith for heating this work element.

The exact form assumed by the work element 84 will also vary dependingupon the application and the inthis connection, a number of flameproducing heads may be provided, each having different forms of workelements 84. For example, one flame producing head 62 may be providedwith a scraping element, another may be provided with a cutting bladeand others may be provided with different forms of work elements. Inmany cases, it may only be desirable to apply heat to a work surface,without the need of a work element on the torch and in this case, thework element would not be included on the flame producing head.

FIG. 6 illustrates a modified form of flame producing head 90 which issubstantially similar in many respects tended use of the heating torchA. Since the flame proto the flame producing head 62 except that theflame producing head 9% is provided with a longer ignition chamber.Further, the air intake apertures 82 are located in close proximity andspaced immediately rearwardly of the flame emitting orifice 80. Thislatter form of flame producing head is preferred in many applications,and has also been found to be highly effective.

in use, the heating torch A is connected to the source of fuel, such asthe tank T by means of the fuel delivery tube 10. The operator willregulate the amount of fuel which is desired through actuation of theknurled knob 14 on the tank T with fine adjustment being made throughrotation of the knurled knob 40 on the handle 18. Either one or both ofthese adjustments will permit the desired amount of fuel to flow throughthe fuel receiving bore 28 and through the fuel delivery duct :58 andorifice 56 into the fuel receiving chamber 36. The fuel which isintroduced into the chamber 36 is preferably in a gaseous state andwhile some fuel in the liquid state may be carried with the gas, thisliquid fuel is highly atomized since it is introduced into the fuelreceiving chamber 36 through a relatively small diameter orifice underhigh pressure. As the fuel is introduced into the chamber 36, theventuri effect created therein will cause a movement of air through theair-intake apertures 58 over the plug 42 and into the interior of thechamber 36 where the air is thoroughly mixed with the fuel. Thisair-fuel mixture is then urged into the ignition chamber 65 where it maybe mixed with additional air introduced therein through the air intakeapertures 82. This air-fuel mixture in the ignition'chamber 68 isconstantly urged outwardly under pressure through the flame emittingorifice when the valves controlled by the knurled knobs l4 and 40 areopened. By generating a spark near the flame emitting orifice theair-fuel mixture will be ignited generating a uniformly distributedflame size across the orifice 80. Further adjustment of the knurled knob30 will permit the operator to obtain the desired flame size for theintended work application. The flame which is generated will be appliedto the work surface and at least a portion of this flame will passdirectly over the work element 84 thereby heating this element 8d.Consequently, the work element 841 which is located in the path of theflame and also in close proximity to the heated work surface is easilymanipulated to perform work on this work surface.

Thus, there has been illustrated and described a novel heating torchwhich is capable of controllably ap plying large quantities of heat inan evenly distributed pattern to a work surface and which fulfills allof the objects and advantages sought therefore. Many changes,modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of thesubject heating torch will become apparent to those skilled in the artafter considering this specification and accompanying drawing. All suchchanges, modifications, variations and other uses and applications whichdo not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed tobe covered by the invention which is limited only by the followingclaims.

Having thus described my invention, what I desire to claim and secure byLetters Patent is:

l. A portable heating torch for providing a uniformly distributed heatto a work surface, said torch comprising handle forming means, fuelreceiving means operatively associated with said handle forming meansand including a fitting on said handle forming means, flexible conduitmeans for operative connection to said fitting and to a source ofgaseous ignitable fuel under pressure to deliver fuel in said source tosaid fuel receiving means, a metal housing operatively connected to saidfuel receiving means for receiving the ignitable fuel from said fuelreceiving means, a mixing plug disposed within said metal housingforming a fuel mixing chamber downstream of said plug in the directionof movement of said ignitable fuel, duct means formed in said mixingplug and terminating in an orifice communicating with the mixing chamberfor introducing the gaseous fuel therein under pressure to cause aventuri effect across said mixing plug, means forming a plurality ofprimary air intake apertures circumferentially disposed about said metalhousing and being located upstream of said mixing plug for introducingair into said housing, groove means formed on said plug for enabling theintroduced air to be urged through said groove means into said mixingchamber by said venturi effect and for mixing the air with said fuel,heat application means operatively associated with said metal housingand having an ignition chamber therein for receiving the fuel-airmixture under pressure from said fuel mixing chamber, means forming aplurality of spaced secondary air intake apertures on said heatapplication means to introduce additional air into said ignition chamberfor mixing with the fuel-air mixture introduced in said ignitionchamber, a flame emitting orifice formed in said heat application meansto permit exit of the mixture in said heat application means and a flamesupported by the ignitable fuel containing mixture, an extended memberon said heat application means and having a flame directing surfacethereon, and said heat application means having a deflection surface todirect a flame supported by said ignitable fuel uniformly across apreselected area of said flame directing surface and outwardly from saidtorch.

2. The portable heating torch of claim I further characterized in that awork member forms part of the extended member operatively mounted onsaid heat application means for engaging the work surface and performingwork on said work surface through manual actuation of said handleforming means.

3. The portable heating torch of claim 1 further characterized in that awork member forms part of the extended member operatively mounted onsaid heat application means for engaging the work surface and performingwork on said work surface through manual actuation of said handleforming means and thatsaid work member is located to also receive theheat from said heat application means.

4. The portable heating torch of claim 1 further characterized in thatthe flame emitting orifice in said heat application means is arelatively thin elongated orifice permitting the application of arelatively thin elongated flame to said work surface.

5. The portable heating torch of claim 1 further characterized in thatthe flame emitting orifice in said heat application means is arelatively thin elongated orifice permitting the application ofarelatively thin elongated flame to said work surface, and that saiddeflection surfaceis located to direct said flame in a proper directionacross said flame directing surface and toward said work surface.

6. The portable heating torch of claim 2 further characterized in thatsaid work member is a cutting member having an edge capable of cuttingthrough a work surface.

7. The portable heating torch of claim 2 further char acterized in thatsaid work member is a scraping member having an elongated edge capableof scraping a coating off of a work surface.

8. A hand operable portable heating torch for providing a uniformlydistributed heat to a work surface, said torch comprising:

a. handle forming means,

b. fuel receiving means operatively associated with said handle formingmeans,

c. said fuel receiving means including a fitting on said handle formingmeans,

d. flexible conduit means for operative connection to said fitting andto a source of gaseous ignitable fuel under pressure to deliver fuel insaid source to said fuel receiving means,

e. a metal housing operatively connected to said fuel receiving meansfor receiving the ignitable fuel from said fuel receiving means,

f. a mixing plug disposed within said metal housing,

g. said metal housing forming a fuel mixing chamber downstream of saidplug in the direction of movement of said ignitable fuel,

h. said fuel mixing plug comprising:

1. a cylindrical member fitted with said metal housing and snuglyengaging an interior wall of said metal housing,

2. a head member on said cylindrical member and extending forwardlythereof in the direction of movement of the fuel,

3. said head member being diametrically reduced with respect to saidcylindrical member so as to be spaced from the interior wall of saidmetal housing,

4. a rearwardly extending member on said opposite side of saidcylindrical member with respect to head member,

5. said rearwardly extending member also being diametrically reducedwith respect to said cylindrical member so as to also be spaced from theinterior wall of said metal housing,

6. at least said cylindrical member and said head member having groovemeans extending axially therealong,

7. an axially extending duct formed in said mixing 8. said axiallyextending duct terminating in an orifice communicating with the mixingchamber for introducing the gaseous fuel therein under pressure to causea venturi effect across said mixing P s.

i. means forming a plurality of primary air intake aperturescircumferentially disposed about said metal housing and being locatedupstream of said mixing plug for introducing air into said housing,

il il j. said groove means formed on said plug for enabling theintroduced air to be urged through said groove means into said mixingchamber by said venturi effeet and for mixing the air with said fuel,

k. heat application means operatively associated with said metal housingand having an ignition chamber therein for receiving the fuel-airmixture under pressure from said fuel mixing chamber,

1. means forming a plurality of spaced secondary air intake apertures onsaid heat application means to introduce additional air into saidignition chamber for mixing with the fuel-air mixture introduced in saidignition chamber,

rn. means forming a flame emitting orifice in said heat applicationmeans to permit exit of the mixture in said head application means and aflame supported by the ignitable fuel containing mixture,

n. an extended member on said heat application means,

0. said extended member having a flame directing surface thereon,

p. and said heat application means having a deflection surface to directa flame supported by said ignitable fuel uniformly across a preselectedarea of said flame directing surface and outwardly from said torch.

9. The hand operable heating torch of claim 8 further characterized inthat a work element is formed on said extending member and said workelement has a relatively sharp edge capable of engaging and penetratingat least a portion of the work surface.

10. The hand operable heating torch of claim 8 further characterized inthat a work element is formed on said extending member and said workelement has a relatively sharp edge capable of engaging and cutting atleast a portion of the work surface.

11. The hand operable heating torch of claim 8 further characterized inthat a work element is formed on said extended member and has arelatively sharp edge capable of engaging and scraping at least aportion of the work surface.

12. The hand operable heating torch of claim 8 further characterized inthat valve means is operatively associated with said fuel receivingmeans to regulate the amount of fuel introduced into said fuel mixingchamber.

13. The hand operable heating torch of claim 8 further characterized inthat the flame emitting orifice in said heat application means is arelatively thin elongated orifice permitting the application of arelatively thin elongated flame to said work surface.

14. The hand operable heating torch of claim 8 further characterized inthat the flame emitting orifice in said heat application means is arelatively thin elongated orifice permitting the application of arelatively thin elongated flame to said work surface, and that saiddeflection surface is located to direct said flame in a proper directionacross said flame directing surface and toward said work surface.

15. A portable heating torch for providing a uniformly distributed heatto a work surface and being operable upon manual application of force toapply work to said work surface; said torch comprising:

a. handle forming means,

b. a fuel receiving duct operatively formed in said handle formingmeans,

c. a fitting on said handle forming means and communicating with saidfuel receiving duct,

d. a flexible conduit for operative connection to said fitting and to asource of gaseous ignitable fuel under pressure to deliver fuel in saidsource to said fuel receiving duct,

e. a metal housing operatively connected to said handle forming meansand communicating with the fuel receiving duct for receiving theignitable fuel from said fuel receiving duct,

f. a mixing plug disposed within said metal housing forming a fuelmixing chamber downstream of said plug in the direction of movement ofsaid ignitable fuel,

g. said fuel mixing plug comprising:

1. a cylindrical member fitted within said metal housing and snugglyengaging an interior wall of said metal housing,

2. a head member on said cylindrical member and extending forwardlythereof in the direction of movement of the fuel,

3. said head member being diametrically reduced with respect to saidcylindrical member so as to be spaced from the interior wall of saidmetal housing,

4. a rearwardly extending member on said the opposite side of saidcylindrical member with respect to head member,

5. said rearwardly extending member also being diametrically reducedwith respect to said cylindrical member so as to also be spaced from theinterior wall of said metal housing,

6. said cylindrical member, said head member and said rearwardlyextending member having a plurality of circumferentially spaced axiallycxtending grooves,

7. an axially extending duct formed in said mixing 8. said axiallyextending duct terminating in an orifice communicating with the mixingchamber for introducing the gaseous fuel therein under pressure to causea venturi effect across said mixing P s.

h. means forming a plurality of primary air intake aperturescircumferentially disposed about said metal housing and being locatedupstream of said mixing plug for introducing air into said housing,

i. said axially extending grooves formed on said plug enabling theintroduced air to be urged through said grooves into said mixing chamberby said venturi effect for mixing the air with said fuel,

j. a flame appiication head operatively attached to said metal housing,

it. said flame producing head having an outer wall forming housing andhaving an ignition chamber therein for receiving the fuel-air mixtureunder pressure from said fuel mixing chamber,

1. means forming a plurality of spaced secondary air intake apertures onsaid wall forming housing to introduce additional air into said ignitionchamber for mixing with the fuel-air mixture introduced in said ignitionchamber,

m. means forming a relatively thin elongated flame emitting orifice insaid outer wall forming housing to permit exit of the mixture in saidignition chamber and a flame supported by the ignitable fuel containingmixture,

n. a downwardly and outwardly directed extended q. and a work elementformed on the outer end of member on said outer wall forming housing,said extended member and having a relatively 0. said extended memberhaving an upwardly pressharp edge capable of engaging and cutting intoat ented flame directing surface thereon, least a portion of the worksurface.

p. said wall forming housing having an interior de- 16. The portableheating torch of claim 15 further flection surface to direct a flamesupported by said characterized in that a manually operable valve isoperignitable fuel uniformly across a preselected area atively mountedon said handle forming means to conof said flame directing surface andoutwardly from trol the flow of fuel through said fuel receiving duct.said torch toward said work surface,

1. A portable heating torch for providing a uniformly distributed heatto a work surface, said torch comprising handle forming means, fuelreceiving means operatively associated with said handle forming meansand including a fitting on said handle forming means, flexible conduitmeans for operative connection to said fitting and to a source ofgaseous ignitable fuel under pressure to deliver fuel in said source tosaid fuel receiving means, a metal housing operatively connected to saidfuel receiving means for receiving the ignitable fuel from said fuelreceiving means, a mixing plug disposed within said metal housingforming a fuel mixing chamber downstream of said plug in the directionof movement of said ignitable fuel, duct means formed in said mixingplug and terminating in an orifice communicating with the mixing chamberfor introducing the gaseous fuel therein under pressure to cause aventuri effect across said mixing plug, means forming a plurality ofprimary air intake apertures circumferentiAlly disposed about said metalhousing and being located upstream of said mixing plug for introducingair into said housing, groove means formed on said plug for enabling theintroduced air to be urged through said groove means into said mixingchamber by said venturi effect and for mixing the air with said fuel,heat application means operatively associated with said metal housingand having an ignition chamber therein for receiving the fuel-airmixture under pressure from said fuel mixing chamber, means forming aplurality of spaced secondary air intake apertures on said heatapplication means to introduce additional air into said ignition chamberfor mixing with the fuel-air mixture introduced in said ignitionchamber, a flame emitting orifice formed in said heat application meansto permit exit of the mixture in said heat application means and a flamesupported by the ignitable fuel containing mixture, an extended memberon said heat application means and having a flame directing surfacethereon, and said heat application means having a deflection surface todirect a flame supported by said ignitable fuel uniformly across apreselected area of said flame directing surface and outwardly from saidtorch.
 2. The portable heating torch of claim 1 further characterized inthat a work member forms part of the extended member operatively mountedon said heat application means for engaging the work surface andperforming work on said work surface through manual actuation of saidhandle forming means.
 2. a head member on said cylindrical member andextending forwardly Thereof in the direction of movement of the fuel, 2.a head member on said cylindrical member and extending forwardly thereofin the direction of movement of the fuel,
 3. said head member beingdiametrically reduced with respect to said cylindrical member so as tobe spaced from the interior wall of said metal housing,
 3. said headmember being diametrically reduced with respect to said cylindricalmember so as to be spaced from the interior wall of said metal housing,3. The portable heating torch of claim 1 further characterized in that awork member forms part of the extended member operatively mounted onsaid heat application means for engaging the work surface and performingwork on said work surface through manual actuation of said handleforming means and that said work member is located to also receive theheat from said heat application means.
 4. The portable heating torch ofclaim 1 further characterized in that the flame emitting orifice in saidheat application means is a relatively thin elongated orifice permittingthe application of a relatively thin elongated flame to said worksurface.
 4. a rearwardly extending member on said opposite side of saidcylindrical member with respect to head member,
 4. a rearwardlyextending member on said the opposite side of said cylindrical memberwith respect to head member,
 5. said rearwardly extending member alsobeing diametrically reduced with respect to said cylindrical member soas to also be spaced from the interior wall of said metal housing, 5.said rearwardly extending member also being diametrically reduced withrespect to said cylindrical member so as to also be spaced from theinterior wall of said metal housing,
 5. The portable heating torch ofclaim 1 further characterized in that the flame emitting orifice in saidheat application means is a relatively thin elongated orifice permittingthe application of a relatively thin elongated flame to said worksurface, and that said deflection surface is located to direct saidflame in a proper direction across said flame directing surface andtoward said work surface.
 6. The portable heating torch of claim 2further characterized in that said work member is a cutting memberhaving an edge capable of cutting through a work surface.
 6. saidcylindrical member, said head member and said rearwardly extendingmember having a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extendinggrooves,
 6. at least said cylindrical member and said head member havinggroove means extending axially therealong,
 7. an axially extending ductformed in said mixing plug,
 7. an axially extending duct formed in saidmixing plug,
 7. The portable heating torch of claim 2 furthercharacterized in that said work member is a scraping member having anelongated edge capable of scraping a coating off of a work surface.
 8. Ahand operable portable heating torch for providing a uniformlydistributed heat to a work surface, said torch comprising: a. handleforming means, b. fuel receiving means operatively associated with saidhandle forming means, c. said fuel receiving means including a fittingon said handle forming means, d. flexible conduit means for operativeconnection to said fitting and to a source of gaseous ignitable fuelunder pressure to deliver fuel in said source to said fuel receivingmeans, e. a metal housing operatively connected to said fuel receivingmeans for receiving the ignitable fuel from said fuel receiving means,f. a mixing plug disposed within said metal housing, g. said metalhousing forming a fuel mixing chamber downstream of said plug in thedirection of movement of said ignitable fuel, h. said fuel mixing plugcomprising:
 8. said axially extending duct terminating in an orificecommunicating with the mixing chamber for introducing the gaseous fueltherein under pressure to cause a venturi effect across said mixingplug, i. means forming a plurality of primary air intake aperturescircumferentially disposed about said metal housing and being locatedupstream of said mixing plug for introducing air into said housing, j.said groove means formed on said plug for enabling the introduced air tobe urged through said groove means into said mixing chamber by saidventuri effect and for mixing the air with said fuel, k. heatapplication means operatively associated with said metal housing andhaving an ignition chamber therein for receiving the fuel-air mixtureunder pressure from said fuel mixing chamber, l. means forming aplurality of spaced secondary air intake apertures on said heatapplication means to introduce additional air into said ignition chamberfor mixing with the fuel-air mixture introduced in said ignitionchamber, m. means forming a flame emitting orifice in said heatapplication means to permit exit of the mixture in said head applicationmeans and a flame supported by the ignitable fuel containing mixture, n.an extended member on said heat application means, o. said extendedmember having a flame directing surface thereon, p. and said heatapplication means having a deflection surface to direct a flamesupported by said ignitable fuel uniformly across a preselected area ofsaid flame directing surface and outwardly from said torch.
 8. saidaxially extending duct terminating in an orifice communicating with themixing chamber for introducing the gaseous fuel therein under pressureto cause a venturi effect across said mixing plug, h. means forming aplurality of primary air intake apertures circumferentially disposedabout said metal housing and being located upstream of said mixing plugfor introducing air into said housing, i. said axially extending groovesformed on said plug enabling the introduced air to be urged through saidgrooves into said mixing chamber by said venturi effect for mixing theair with said fuel, j. a flame application head operatively attached tosaid metal housing, k. said flame producing head having an outer wallforming housing and having an ignition chamber therein for receiving thefuel-air mixture under pressure from said fuel mixing chamber, l. meansforming a plurality of spaced secondary air intake apertures on saidwall forming housing to introduce additional air into said ignitionchamber for mixing with the fuel-air mixture introduced in said ignitionchamber, m. means forming a relatively thin elongated flame emittingorifice in said outer wall forming housing to permit exit of the mixturein said ignition chamber and a flame supported by the ignitable fuelcontaining mixture, n. a downwardly and outwardly directed extendedmember on said outer wall forming housing, o. said extended memberhaving an upwardly presented flame directing surface thereon, p. saidwall forming housing having an interior deflection surface to direct aflame supported by said ignitable fuel uniformly across a preselectedarea of said flame directing surface and outwardly from said torchtoward said work surface, q. and a work element formed on the outer endof said extended member and having a relatively sharp edge capable ofengaging and cutting into at least a portion of the work surface.
 9. Thehand operable heating torch of claim 8 further characterized in that awork element is formed on said extending member and said work elementhas a relatively sharp edge capable of engaging and penetrating at leasta portion of the work surface.
 10. The hand operable heating torch ofclaim 8 further characterized in that a work element is formed on saidextending member and said work element has a relatively sharp edgecapable of engaging and cutting at least a portion of the work surface.11. The hand operable heating torch of claim 8 further characterized inthat a work element is formed on said extended member and has arelatively sharp edge capable of engaging and scraping at least aportion of the work surface.
 12. The hand operable heating torch ofclaim 8 further characterized in that valve means is operativelyassociated with said fuel receiving means to regulate the amount of fuelintroduced into said fuel mixing chamber.
 13. The hand operable heatingtorch of claim 8 further characterized in that the flame emittingorifice in said heat application means is a relatively thin elongatedorifice permitting the application of a relatively thin elongated flameto said work surface.
 14. The hand operable heating torch of claim 8further characterized in that the flame emitting orifice in said heatapplication means is a relatively thin elongated orifice permitting theapplication of a relatively thin elongated flame to said work surface,and that said deflection surface is located to direct said flame in aproper direction across said flame directing surface and toward saidwork surface.
 15. A portable heating torch for providing a uniformlydistributed heat to a worK surface and being operable upon manualapplication of force to apply work to said work surface; said torchcomprising: a. handle forming means, b. a fuel receiving ductoperatively formed in said handle forming means, c. a fitting on saidhandle forming means and communicating with said fuel receiving duct, d.a flexible conduit for operative connection to said fitting and to asource of gaseous ignitable fuel under pressure to deliver fuel in saidsource to said fuel receiving duct, e. a metal housing operativelyconnected to said handle forming means and communicating with the fuelreceiving duct for receiving the ignitable fuel from said fuel receivingduct, f. a mixing plug disposed within said metal housing forming a fuelmixing chamber downstream of said plug in the direction of movement ofsaid ignitable fuel, g. said fuel mixing plug comprising:
 16. Theportable heating torch of claim 15 further characterized in that amanually operable valve is operatively mounted on said handle formingmeans to control the flow of fuel through said fuel receIving duct.